Simple columnar epithelium

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Simple columnar epithelium
The stomach wall, with simple columnar epithelium visible as a lining at the top.
Details
Identifiers
Latin	simple columnar epithelium
TH	H2.00.02.0.02020
FMA	45567
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

A simple columnar epithelium is a single layer of columnar cells attached to the basement membrane, with oval-shaped nuclei located in the basal region. In humans, a simple columnar epithelium lines most organs of the digestive tract including the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Simple columnar epithelia line the uterus.

Structure[]

Simple columnar epithelium is further divided into two categories: ciliated and non-ciliated (glandular). The ciliated part of the simple columnar epithelium has tiny hairs which help move mucus and other substances up the respiratory tract.

The shape of the simple columnar epithelium cells are tall and narrow giving a column like appearance. the apical surfaces of the tissue face the lumen of organs while the basal side faces the basement membrane.^[1] the nuclei are located closer along the basal side of the cell.^[1]

Absorptive columnar epithelium is characterize as having a striated boarder on its apical side, this border is made up of non-motile microvilli allowing for increase surface area for absorption.^[1] these are known as ciliated columnar epithelium.

Simple Columnar Epithelium is made up of Glandular Goblet cells which secrete mucins to form mucin.^[1] the rest of the cell is made up of cytoplasm with membrane bound secretory granules which secrete the mucin, and are found towards the apical surface of the cell.^[1]

Location[]

Non-ciliated types are found in the digestive tract. Ciliated types are found within bronchioles of the respiratory tract and in the oviduct of the female reproductive tract. The non-ciliated columnar epithelium is also found in the inner lining of small intestines and the bladder.^[1] it also lines the minor ducts of several glands.^[1]

Ciliated[]

Ciliated columnar epithelium moves mucus and other substances via cilia and is found in the upper respiratory tract, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the central part of the spinal cord. They are the primary target of infection for "common cold viruses" such as coronaviruses, influenza virus and rhinoviruses.^{[citation needed]} These viruses may kill the ciliated cells or stop the cilia beating. In either case, mucus builds up and forms a good site for secondary bacterial infections, resulting in mucus.^{[citation needed]}

A ciliated columnar epithelium lines the lumen of the uterine tube, where currents generated by the cilia propel the egg cell toward the uterus. Ciliated Epithelium is a layer of columnar or cuboidal cells which have large number of fine hair like cilia over their free edges

Non-ciliated[]

These are found in the lining sections of the gastrointestinal tract and may be brush bordered.

• 

  Vertical section of a villus from the dog's small intestine. X 80. (Simple columnar epithelium labelled at right, third from the top.)

• 

  Transverse section of a villus, from the human intestine. X 350.
  a. Basement membrane, here somewhat shrunken away from the epithelium.
  b. Lacteal.
  c. Columnar epithelium.
  d. Its striated border.
  e. Goblet cells.
  f. Leucocytes in epithelium.
  f’. Leucocytes below epithelium.
  g. Blood vessels.
  h. Muscle cells cut across.

Function[]

• Secretion^[1]
• Absorption^[1]
• Protection^[1]

References[]

External links[]

• Histology at KUMC epithel-epith05
• UIUC Histology Subject 1061